Newborn tranquilizing pad assembly system and method for simulating maternal presence

ABSTRACT

A flexible vibrating pad assembly system and method for tranquilizing a child includes a plurality of haptic motors and devices for propagating sound. The pad assembly system additionally includes an app. The app is configured to selectively electrically couple the plurality of electric haptic motors to an electric power supply. The pad assembly further includes a core layer and a gel layer, plus a cover extending across the gel layer and thus the foam core layer plus devices embedded there within. The app running on a smart device effectively controls the various features of the pad assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a tranquilizing pad assembly system and method that has components that are configured to be controlled by an app that runs on a smartphone or iPad. The app causes sound or vibrations or both to emanate through and from the pad assembly, thus simulating tranquilizing sensations experienced by a newborn or young infant when lying in juxtaposition with its mother. Calm and neurological development are thus induced.

BACKGROUND

After a baby is born, quality sleep is a precious asset—both for the child and its parents. Down the ages, it has been observed that lying in proximity to a mother can induce relaxation and sleep.

Such benefits may come with a price. In a busy world with competing time demands, the mother must literally stay in physical touch with the baby. This may not always be desirable, particularly if the mother has competing demands for her attention and physical presence.

In some medical situations it is desirable to tranquilize a child without physical contact. Premature babies may be placed into incubators in a neonatal intensive care unit (“NICU”). Such cases require a tranquilizing system that is sufficiently flexible and small enough to be effective, yet be accommodated by conventional medical equipment, like an incubator. In contrast, conventional tranquilizing devices have frames or include flat plates, and are too rigid to be compatible with nonplanar environments of use, such as a car seat.

SUMMARY

Against this background, it would be desirable to have a tranquilizing pad assembly that offers a beneficial sensory environment for infants. The environment created includes tranquilizing audio and haptic experiences, perhaps aided by warmth.

The pad assembly in several embodiments uses one or more built in personalized recorded files that are created optionally by an app from a mother's heartbeat. In turn, the app communicates with one or more haptic motors. They produce vibrations that are preferably in sync with audio playback file and thus the heartbeat, which optionally may be sensed in real time or be prerecorded.

In some embodiments, the pad assembly utilizes Bluetooth® 4.2+ technology to retrieve and play the heartbeat files (or any audio files, such as the mother's voice) from within one or more embedded speakers that lie at least partially within a foam core layer of the pad assembly. Included therein are transducers and haptic actuators that vibrate in response to audio signals that may emulate the mother's heartbeat. Heartbeat vibrations are sensed by the infant through a gel layer when in close physical contact with the pad assembly.

Haptic motors and audio devices are embedded within a foam core of the pad assembly. On top of the foam core and underlying the newborn is a layer of silicone gel. Vibration of haptic motors produces pressure waves with the unique characteristics (e.g. frequency and amplitude) of the mother's heartbeat.

Silicone gel reproduces the density of human tissue at about 985 kg/m{circumflex over ( )}3. Inherent thermo dynamic properties of silicone allow retention and diffusion of the infant's body heat, similarly to the ability of mother's chest to both retain and diffuse heat to either warm or cool the infant. Heat flow may be natural or be facilitated by a heating or cooling device.

Among the features of the disclosed system and method are:

-   -   temperature control with a gelatinous material for         retention/diffusion of heat heartrate variability (HRV)     -   ability to play a voice recording     -   ability to influence haptic motors in sync with HRV     -   material density similar to human flesh of 985 kg/m{circumflex         over ( )}3     -   Bluetooth connectivity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representative cross section of an embodiment of a tranquilizing pad system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating steps A-D of a method of operating a tranquilizing pad system according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present invention, which constitute the best modes of practicing the invention presently known to the inventors. The Figures are not necessarily to scale. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the invention and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

It is also to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and/or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” comprise plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise a plurality of components.

The term “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” “having,” “containing,” or “characterized by.” These terms are inclusive and open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When this phrase appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter.

With respect to the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of,” where one of these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter can include the use of either of the other two terms.

Throughout this application, where publications are referenced, the disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

Many embodiments of the disclosed tranquilizing pad system and related method steps involve structural and electronic features that are harnessed to safely help infants get quality sleep. Though this description focuses on newborns and young infants, it may be appreciated that several embodiments may benefit other humans (e.g., the elderly) and other mammals and vertebrates, such as young does and cattle. The term “mammal” refers to a human or other mammal, including all mammals such as primates (particularly higher primates), sheep, dogs, rodents, guinea pigs, pig, cat, rabbits, and cows.

Tranquilizing effects are induced by mimicking the newborn's experience of being recumbent on its mother's chest. The experience is created by the newborn experiencing at least two of the five senses—hearing sound (e.g., from an audio file that has recorded a mother's heartbeat or voice) and physical touching (e.g., by movement or vibration or lying on a vibrating or quiescent cloth-covered gel layer that has a density akin to that of the mother or by warmth).

A representative tranquilizing pad assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The pad assembly 10 includes a foam core layer 12, a gel layer 14, and a cloth (optional) 16 on which the newborn 18 lies. If desired, another or the same cloth layer 20 may underlie the foam core layer 12.

The tranquilizing pad assembly 10 accommodates one or more haptic devices 28. They are electrically coupled with and under the control of at least one smart phone 22 or iPad or another smart device. Optionally, each of the haptic devices 12 is at least partially enclosed by a housing. In some embodiments, the haptic devices or vibrators 28 are eccentric rotating mass haptic motors, linear drive haptic motors or other vibrating mechanisms. The haptic devices 28 may be electrically coupled to each other in series or in parallel.

The auditory and tactile inputs to the newborn are created by practicing steps (see, FIG. 2) that bring together various auditory and tactile sensory inputs from alternative collecting means. Step (A) involves creating unique or signature pattern and pressure waves by generating personalized sound as an auditory input to the newborn via one or more audio devices such as speakers or transducers. Three collection alternatives (step B) are suggested: pulse oximetry; photographing a mother's finger; and using an EKG.

Step (C) contemplates converting the collected data, to be further described below. Step (D) involves propagating auditory and pressure waveforms via speakers and haptic motors.

In one way to practice the disclosed system and method, the first step (A, FIG. 2) involves creating a file of recorded heartbeats. Such a file may include contemporaneous heartbeats or those captured in the past. An exemplary technique involves recording the mother's heartbeat waveform (with her unique HRV), optionally through an app that runs on the smartphone 22. It uses data collected from for example (at least) an 8 mega pixel camera that is trained on a mother's pulse as the pulse appears on her finger. Another technique used to collect heartbeat information is by deployment of a pulse oximeter optionally embedded within the foam layer of the pad assembly. Alternatively, an EKG can be used.

In one variation of the app, software converts a variation of light intensity in the pulse of a mother's finger to produce a facsimile of her personalized heartbeat (HRV). This information is sent, perhaps via a Bluetooth signal, to for instance a printed circuit board or breadboard circuit 24 that may be separate from or embedded in the foam core layer 12. The circuit 24 is configured to (1) store data that represents heartbeat and/or sound (heart or voice), and (2) generate and transmit signals to one or more speakers 26 that propagate sound, perhaps in a continuous loop to the recumbent newborn and to haptic motors 28.

Optionally, warmth can be generated for the newborn if a heating device 30 in the foam layer 12 transmits thermal energy through the compliant gel layer 14 to the newborn.

As a result, an environment is created that is akin to the sound and feeling of the newborn being on a mother's chest after birth, sometimes known as the first “skin to skin contact”. The pad assembly 10 provides familiar sounds and pressures and is thus “personal”, in that these sensory inputs effectively simulate conditions experienced when the newborn is in contact with its mother.

Preferably, the audio files emulate a mother's unique Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Heart Rate Variability is the variation in the beat to beat interval. It is influenced by the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) which consists of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). A low HRV is a sign of predominance of the SNS (also called the “fight or flight” system, or stress system). High HRV's are believed to be associated with a level of adaptation and fitness.

The heartbeat (and HRV) sensed by the newborn will resemble that of the mother. In synchrony, the haptics 28 produce a unique vibration throughout some if not all the pad assembly 10.

As the HRV approaches 0 (displayed on the smartphone GUI 22 enabled by the app), a perfect flight or fight response is created. This indicates whether the system and method are working satisfactorily and whether the sensory inputs are scaring or tranquilizing the child (Moro Reflex).

Preferably the foam layer 12 includes chemistry described for example in en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foam (incorporated by reference). The gel layer 14 is a solid, jelly-like material that is soft, and may include an organic polymer and/or a semi-liquid silicone. See, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gel (incorporated by reference).

As noted above, the pad assembly 10 is associated with a gel layer 14 to provide comfort. Together, the foam and gel layers 12,14 retain some of the infant's body heat to simulate the feeling of being on its mother.

In some embodiments, the pad assembly 10 has a flexible foam core layer 12 that is covered by one or more layers of a cloth 16 so that the assembly may be rolled if desired for transportation, re-positioning or storage. Thus, the assembly can conform to non-flat surfaces, such as a baby stroller or vehicle seat. The cloth 16 can be changed to accommodate sanitary needs. Optionally the same or another cloth layer 20 may underlie the foam core layer 12.

In more detail, what follows is a further discussion of the system and method.

HRV Collection (FIG. 2, Steps A-C)

The signature pattern and pressure waves (step A) are created and captured in 1 of 3 ways (step B):

-   -   1. Modified pulse oximetry captures pulse rate and time interval         plethysmography (heartrate variability—HRV).         -   a. The pulse oximeter has a rigid plastic housing that             internally houses a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA),             battery, and appropriate sensors to gather the necessary             user data to reproduce the mother's heart beat patterns.         -   b. The pulse oximeter may be stored in a recess or             compartment of the foam core layer 12 when not in use.         -   c. The battery of the pulse oximeter may be rechargeable via             a USB-style or other common electrical connection.         -   d. In one possible variant, the foam core layer 12 may also             include a user interface (GUI) to operate the pad assembly             10. Preferably, the app configures the GUI for the end user.     -   2. An 8 Megapixel or greater camera on a smartphone or iPad with         the app uses variation in the mother's/user's finger to capture         intensity in the red visible spectrum, thereby recording pulse         rate and heartrate variability (HRV).     -   3. A modified 2 lead EKG which captures R—R-interval rate (HRV).

Data Collection (FIG. 2, Step C)

Data are collected on the PCBA (printed circuit board assembly 24) and are converted to a facsimile of the frequency and amplitude of the mother's true heartbeat and heart rate variability (HRV) before being played through one or more speakers 26. Optionally, the perceived heart beat rate can be speeded up or slowed down, thus stimulating neurological connections in the newborn's brain.

Sound Propagation (FIG. 2, Step D)

Optionally, sound waves may be disseminated through the user's smartphone 22. In one variant, the system 10 may be configured to collect recordings of the mother's voice. Preferably, Bluetooth 4.2+ technology can be harnessed to exchange data with a smart device to achieve the above stated functions.

As noted earlier, an 8 Megapixel or greater camera on a smartphone uses variation on the mother's/user's finger to capture intensity in the red visible spectrum. This step captures pulse rate and heartrate variability (HRV). Subsequent processing by the app causes sound to be propagated played via the user's smartphone or speakers 26 embedded in the foam core layer 12. An ability to collect recordings of the mother's voice to be played via the PCBA also will be created. Such recordings may include speech, a song or a lullaby.

The smartphone 22 may be electrically coupled with a main or battery power supply.

The smartphone 22 has a graphic user interface (GUI). Unique to the app, the user interface may include at least one user-activated control, such as a push-button or touch screen. The app running on the smartphone 22 selectively controls the haptic devices 28 in response to user inputs to the GUI. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface includes an ON-OFF button or a pressure sensitive area and a sensory input button that enables a user to activate sound, pulsation, heat, or one or some or all of these inputs.

In response to a user actuation of the ON-OFF button, the app produces a signal for example that actuates or disables the haptic devices 28. The app controls the haptic devices 28 so that they vibrate in sync with the recorded file of the mother's heartbeat. Some examples of haptic devices include:

-   -   1 Haptic Control Software for TI actuators         -   http://www.ti.com/tool/haptics-console#descriptionArea.     -   2. TI Actuator (example)         -   http://www.ti.com/product/DRV2605L/description     -   3. Alternate EPCOS/TDK PowerHap Piezo Actuator         -   http://www.mouser.com/new/EPCOS/tdk-epcos-powerhap-piezo-actuator/#Bullet-2     -   4. SparkFun Transducer         -   https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10975

Certain features of the app will now be described in further detail. In various embodiments, the user interface may include controls such as play/pause; skip; previous; loop; Bluetooth/memory; and volume up/down; and a vibration intensity changer.

Optionally provided are a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a micro USB Type-micro B to Type-A port, a AC/DC power adapter port, and/or a microSD card slot. Preferably, a Bluetooth® 4.2/5 module is provided for universal wireless short-range connection with a range of up to 25 ft.

Output is provided through the smartphone, or speakers embedded in the foam core layer 12 or via one or more haptic transducers 28.

Data Conversion to Haptic Motors

After the data are collected (FIG. 2, steps A-C) all processes allow the signature HRV to be played on the pad assembly 10 via one or more speakers 26 that have diaphragms moving in sync and optionally vibrate in conjunction with the haptic motors 28.

Thus, the induced tactile haptic vibrations move in sync with audio feedback derived from acquired heart rate sensor (or small audio files) via haptic actuators 28 and/or (optionally) a plurality of transducer speakers embedded in the foam core layer 12.

The haptic vibration motors 28 can be incorporated throughout the foam core layer 12 and will be connected to and controlled through the PCBA. Each motor 28 may require its own individual housing and/or supporting structure. Additional features such as rubber pads for ‘feet’ and general form factors may be provided.

Physical Device

The tranquilizing pad assembly 10 includes a malleable foam core layer 12 and a gel layer 14 that resides on the base structure. The pad assembly 10 may be covered with a main fabric or cloth wrapping 16, 20. Together, the soft gel layer 14 and foam core layer 12 emulate the warmth and feel of muscle tissue.

As noted above, the foam core layer 12 may internally house a custom PCBA (printed circuit board assembly), a plurality of integrated speakers 26, several vibratory motors 28, a heater 30, a battery housing, and an optional compartment for storing separate a pulse oximeter device.

The GUI may also include a user information display, such as an indicator light or other signaling device. In such embodiments, the app signals information that shows the operating state of the haptic devices 28, e.g., whether the haptic devices are ON or OFF.

As noted earlier, the pad assembly 10 further includes an audio input jack and one or more speakers 26 in communication with the smartphone 22. Optionally, communication between the app and the speakers could be wireless. The audio input may include for instance a Bluetooth device. The app is configured to play audio received via the audio input through one or more of the speakers 26.

Optionally, the pad assembly 10 further includes one or more heaters 30 embedded in the foam core layer 12 that are in communication with the app. Each heater 30 spreads warmth from the foam core layer 12 through the gel layer 14 to the newborn 18. The app selectively energizes the heater 30 in response to a user input to the user interface.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the flexible foam core layer 12 layer may be made of any flexible cushioning material including, but not limited to, PVC, rubber, and natural fibers. Optionally a cloth cover 16, 20 may removably cover at least a top and/or bottom surface of the pad assembly 10. In some preferred embodiments, the cover 16, 20 includes a water-resistant or waterproof fabric.

In an unrolled configuration, the tranquilizing pad assembly 10 is generally rectangular and defines a generally planar area. The haptic device assemblies 28 are generally uniformly distributed about the area of the tranquilizing pad assembly 10.

TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMBERS Reference No. Component 10 Pad 12 Foam Core Layer 14 Gel layer 16 Cloth 18 Baby 20 Cloth 22 Smartphone 24 Circuit 26 Speaker 28 Vibrator/haptic motor 30 Heater

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tranquilizing pad assembly comprising: a foam core layer; a plurality of haptic vibration devices at least partially embedded in the foam core layer; a gel layer situated atop the foam core layer; and the foam core layer being provided with a plurality of cavities, at least some of the cavities housing one or more devices selected from the group consisting of one or more speakers, the plurality of haptic vibration devices, a circuit board and one or more heaters.
 2. The pad assembly of claim 1, further including an app in electronic communication with the circuit board, wherein the app is configured to selectively control the haptic vibration devices according to a file that emulates a mother's heartbeat.
 3. The pad assembly of claim 1, further including a power supply.
 4. The pad assembly of claim 2, further comprising a speaker and an audio connection, the audio connection being adapted to interface with the file and the app being further configured to selectively electronically couple the speakers to the power supply.
 5. The pad assembly of claim 1, further comprising a heater, wherein the app is further configured to selectively electronically couple the heater to the power supply.
 6. The pad assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cover.
 7. The pad assembly of claim 1, further comprising an app configured to selectively electrically couple the plurality of vibration devices assemblies to a power supply.
 8. The pad assembly of claim 1, wherein the pad assembly is generally planar and can be rolled to be transported or stored.
 9. A method of tranquilizing a newborn, comprising the steps of: recording a file of pattern and pressure waves derived from the newborn's mother by using a step consisting of using pulse oximetry, photographing a mother's finger, and using an EKG; generating from the file personalized sound as an auditory input to the newborn via one or more audio devices; collecting and converting data from the file to propagate waveforms via haptic motors, thereby simulating the rise and fall of the mother's chest as her heart beats. 